Feeling like you need a creative reboot? This workshop focuses on applying and preparing yourself for artist residencies. Learn about the benefits of local, out of province and international residencies, as well as the differences between structured programs and independent research models. Gain some insight into finding and making residency opportunities. Learn to differentiate between different models. Find ways to fund residencies that charge a fee, and learn to find those that pay. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of several models and workshop ideas for non-traditional approaches. There will also be a brief discussion about a few logistical considerations when attending an artist residency abroad.

I was interviewed for Radio-Canada once before in 2007. At that time, I hadn’t used french in years. Although I managed with vocabulary, I was so focused on speaking “correctly” that I sounded like the most bored artist in Canada. This time, I was comfortable having a conversation about my work (and as it was TV, there were no cheat sheets!)

While in France, I spoke to market vendors and had richer conversations than “how much.” I spoke to butchers about how to cook different cuts of meat, and to proud vegetable vendors about the the varieties they offered. I discussed the delicate cooking needs of certain fish, and ask about wild foods foraged and how they compare to the flavours or textures I already knew.

I spoke about my work to those same market vendors, to friends, to colleagues and to strangers. I was able to speak about the process, the materials and also the bigger ideas behind my practice. If riddled with errors, they are at least conversations. At the end of my residency at DRAWInternational, I even gave a bilingual artist’s talk.

Most importantly, I learned to try and in making mistakes, to improve.

This was one of my goals for the year in Europe. I have my second language back and don’t intend to lose it again. I can work from this point to massage the language, improving vocabulary and conjugation. In the meantime, I hope that I never again allow a fear of not being “correct” affect my willingness to try.